Differential output control

ABSTRACT

Technologies relating to differential output control are disclosed. A differential output control apparatus may be coupled between a rotating device output and a controlled rotating output. The differential output control apparatus may comprise an adjustable mechanical link coupling two linked differential inputs, and configured to adjust a relative rotation speed or relative torque of the linked differential inputs. The differential output control apparatus may receive the rotating device output and adjust the adjustable mechanical link to control the rotation speed and/or torque of the controlled rotating output.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/340,702,entitled “Speed Variator Using a Differential”, filed Mar. 22, 2010,which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Differentials are well known for their application in the auto industry.Differentials are devices capable of transmitting rotation through threeshafts. For example, as used in automobiles, a rotating drive shaft mayapply a torque to a differential input. The differential transmits thetorque to two output axle shafts, each axle shaft turning one of theroad wheels. In this scenario, the differential allows each of the roadwheels to turn at different speeds, for example, as the automobileturns, an inner road wheel may turn at a slower speed than an outer roadwheel.

SUMMARY

Technologies relating to differential output control are disclosed. Someexample differential output control apparatus may comprise adifferential and at least one adjustable mechanical link coupling twolinked differential inputs. The differential may include, for example, acarrier gear fixedly coupled to a cage and couplable with a systeminput/output gear, a cage fixed to the carrier gear, planet gearsrotatably coupled to a cage sidewall, and first and second sun gearscoupled to first and second application shafts. The at least oneadjustable mechanical link coupling two linked differential inputs maylink the carrier gear and the first application shaft, the carrier gearand the second application shaft, and/or the first application shaft andthe second application shaft. The adjustable mechanical link may beconfigured to adjust a relative rotation speed and/or relative torque ofthe two linked differential inputs. The adjustable mechanical link maycomprise a rigid link, such as a speed variator, and/or a flexible link,such as a torque converter. A control system may be adapted to adjustthe adjustable mechanical link to adjustment settings received at thecontrol system.

In some embodiments, a differential output control apparatus maycomprise an interface adapted to receive a rotating system output, suchas an output from a motor or other device, and adapted to apply therotating system output to the two linked differential inputs. Anotherinterface may be adapted to apply a rotation of one of the carrier gear,the first application shaft, and the second application shaft, to acontrolled rotating output.

Some example methods may include adjusting the adjustable mechanicallink in a differential output control apparatus to produce, from arotating system output, a desired rotation speed and/or torque at acontrolled rotating output. Additionally, example methods may includecoupling a rotating system output with a differential output controlapparatus as described herein and/or coupling a controlled rotatingoutput with a differential output control apparatus as described herein.Further details and description of the various embodiments are providedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a differential output control apparatus coupledbetween a rotating device output and a controlled rotating output.

FIG. 2 illustrates alternative embodiments for a differential outputcontrol apparatus.

FIG. 3 illustrates various embodiments employing multiple adjustablemechanical links in differential output control apparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example differential output control apparatususing a speed variator as an adjustable mechanical link.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example differential output control apparatususing a speed variator as an adjustable mechanical link.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example differential outputcontrol apparatus.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram including the exampledifferential output control apparatus of FIG. 6, along with exampleinputs and outputs that may be connected to the apparatus and a controlsystem configured to adjust the adjustable mechanical link.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example speed variator configured with a coneelement.

FIG. 9 illustrates a differential output control apparatus coupled witha drive shaft of an automobile or other vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments provided herein are not meant to belimiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here. It will be understood that aspects of the presentdisclosure may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in awide variety of different configurations.

Technologies relating to differential output control are disclosed. Adifferential output control apparatus may be coupled between a rotatingdevice output and a controlled rotating output. The differential outputcontrol apparatus may comprise an adjustable mechanical link coupling totwo linked differential inputs, such as the carrier gear and the firstapplication shaft, the carrier gear and the second application shaft,and/or the first application shaft and the second application shaft. Theadjustable mechanical link may be configured to adjust a relativerotation speed or relative torque of the two linked differential inputs.The differential output control apparatus may receive the rotatingdevice output, and may adjust the adjustable mechanical link to controlthe rotation speed and/or torque of the controlled rotating output.

FIG. 1 illustrates a differential output control apparatus coupledbetween a rotating device output 185, and a controlled rotating output195. The rotating device output 185 may comprise, for example, arotating shaft driven by a device 180. The differential output controlapparatus may be used to receive the output at 185, and to apply adesired rotation speed and or torque to the controlled rotating output195. The controlled rotating output 195 may be coupled to an application190 that is driven by the device 180, and that is controlled at least inpart by the differential output control apparatus. In one exampleembodiment, the device 180 may comprise a speedboat motor, and theapplication 190 may comprise a propeller. The differential outputcontrol apparatus may be used at least in part to control the rotationspeed and/or torque at the propeller. Of course, the differential outputcontrol apparatus may be deployed in conjunction with any number ofother devices 180 and applications 190.

The differential output control apparatus comprises a differential 100and an adjustable mechanical link 150 between two linked differentialinputs. As will be appreciated, a differential 100 may comprise, or becoupled with, three input/output options, including a first applicationshaft 120, a second application shaft 130, and carrier gear, which mayfor example be coupled with a system input/output shaft 140. The term“application shaft” is used herein to refer to shafts coupled with sungears in the differential 100, and the term “system input/output shaft”is used herein to refer to a shaft coupled to the carrier gear of adifferential 100. First and second application shafts 120 and 130 mayoccasionally be referred to herein as input/output shafts 120 and 130.Also, the first and second application shafts 120 and 130 and carriergear 105 are all referred to herein as differential inputs.

The adjustable mechanical link 150 may be adjusted, for example, using acontrol system 405, such as an electronic or computer control, which maybe adapted to adjust the adjustable mechanical link 150 to adjustmentsettings received at and/or calculated by the adjustable mechanical linkcontrol system 405. The control system 405 may receive and/or calculateadjustment settings, for example based on information received from acomputerized control system, sensors coupled to the control system 405,and/or from human-adjusted controls coupled to the control system 405.The control system 405 may for example send control signals via thecommunication link 406 to adjust the adjustable mechanical link 150.

In FIG. 1, the two linked differential inputs include the firstapplication shaft 120 and system input/output shaft 140. It will beappreciated that in various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, theadjustable mechanical link 150 may be situated between the systeminput/output shaft 140 and the second application shaft 130, as shown inthe top portion of FIG. 2, or between the first application shaft 120and the second application shaft 130, as shown in the bottom portion ofFIG. 2. It will also be appreciated that the rotating device output 185could be coupled to any of the differential inputs/outputs 120, 130, or140, or to the adjustable mechanical link 150. Similarly, the controlledrotating output 195 could be coupled to any of the differentialinputs/outputs 120, 130, or 140, or to the adjustable mechanical link150.

In some embodiments, the adjustable mechanical link 150 may comprise arigid link, such as a gearbox or speed variator, and/or a flexible linksuch as a torque converter. In general, a rigid link may comprise anylink adapted to control rotation speeds of a first linked differentialinput and a second linked differential input, wherein the rigid linkpermits only rotation speeds resulting from rigid link adjustmentsettings. In other words, for a given input to the differential 100, anda given rigid link adjustment setting, there is only one allowablerotation speed for a first linked differential input, and only oneallowable rotation speed for a second linked differential input. Therigid link adjustment setting may be changed to change the speeds of thelinked differential inputs. A flexible link may comprise any linkstructure that is adapted to adjust a relative torque applied to one ormore of the two linked differential inputs, without requiring particularrotation speed(s). A torque converter is one example of a flexible link.

The adjustable mechanical link 150 may be configured to turn the twolinked differential inputs in a same direction (e.g., both clockwise, orboth counterclockwise), and/or in opposite directions. In someembodiments, the adjustable mechanical link 150 may be configured toturn the two linked differential inputs in only a same direction as thatof the rotating device output 185. In some embodiments, the adjustablemechanical link 150 may be configured to turn the two linkeddifferential inputs in only an opposite direction as that of therotating device output 185. In some embodiments, the adjustablemechanical link 150 may be configured to turn the two linkeddifferential inputs in only opposite directions from one another, e.g.,with one of the linked differential inputs turning a same direction asthe rotating device output 185, and the other of the linked differentialinputs turning an opposite direction as the rotating device output 185.Embodiments in which the adjustable mechanical link 150 can turn the twolinked differential inputs in both a same direction and oppositedirections, e.g., by turning the two linked differential inputs first ina same direction, then switching modes to turn them in an oppositedirection, are also possible and may employ two adjustable mechanicallink structures which can be switched to allow switching from samedirection to opposite direction mode.

A configuration of the adjustable mechanical link 150 may be selected toimplement a differential output control apparatus with desiredcharacteristics. For example, referring to the first application shaft120 as A, the second application shaft 130 as C, and the systeminput/output shaft 140 (or carrier gear) as B, example rigid linkconfigurations include: a first configuration in which the adjustablemechanical link 150 is coupled between A and B, and the adjustablemechanical link 150 is configured to turn A and B in a same direction; asecond configuration in which the adjustable mechanical link 150 iscoupled between A and B, and the adjustable mechanical link 150 isconfigured to turn A and B in opposite directions; a third configurationin which the adjustable mechanical link 150 is coupled between A and C,and the adjustable mechanical link 150 is configured to turn A and C ina same direction; and a fourth configuration in which the adjustablemechanical link 150 is coupled between A and C, and the adjustablemechanical link 150 is configured to turn A and C in oppositedirections.

In the first configuration referred to above, the relationship betweenthe speeds of the various differential inputs/outputs may be describedas:

V _(A)+V_(C)=2V _(B)

Where V is a rotation speed of a differential input or output. If therigid link is a speed variator providing a ratio k, then:

V _(B) =kV _(A)

And therefore:

V _(C) =V _(A) (2k−1)

And the relationship between the torques may be defined as:

T _(C) =T _(A)/(2k−1)

Where T is a torque on a differential input or output. When the ratio ktends to 0.5, the output speed V_(C) tends to zero and the output torqueT_(C) increases towards infinity, and when k increases above 0.5, thesense of direction changes. Also, when the speed variator's ratio kvaries between 0.5 to 2, for example, the output speed at V_(B) variesfrom zero to 300% of the input. Thus a range of an input speeds/torquesat one of the differential inputs can be increased dramatically usingthe disclosed apparatus and methods.

In the second configuration referred to above, the relationship betweenthe speeds of the various differential inputs/outputs may be describedas:

V _(A) +V _(C)=2V _(B)

If the rigid link is a speed variator providing a ratio k, then:

V _(B) =−kV _(A)

And therefore:

V _(C) =−V _(A)(2k+1)

And the relationship between the torques may be defined as:

T _(C) =T _(A)/(2k+1)

In the third configuration referred to above, the relationship betweenthe speeds of the various differential inputs/outputs may be describedas:

V _(A) +V _(C)=2V _(B)

If the rigid link is a speed variator providing a ratio k, then:

V _(C) =kV _(A)

And therefore:

V _(B) =V _(A)(1+k)/2

And the relationship between the torques may be defined as:

T _(B)=2T _(A)/(1+k)

In the fourth configuration referred to above, the relationship betweenthe speeds of the various differential inputs/outputs may be describedas:

V _(A) +V _(C)=2V _(B)

If the rigid link is a speed variator providing a ratio k, then:

V _(C) =−kV _(A)

And therefore:

V _(B) =V _(A)(1−k)/2

And the relationship between the torques may be defined as:

T _(B)=2T _(A)/(1−k)

In some embodiments, the control system 405 may be configured to applythe above relationships, or other relationships as may be extrapolatedfor other configurations, in controlling adjustment settings for adifferential output control apparatus. For example, for a given rotatingdevice output 185, the above relationships may be applied to calculateadjustment settings for the adjustable mechanical link 150, to produce adesired output at the controlled rotating output 195.

In some embodiments, the differential output control apparatus may becoupled to the rotating device output 185 via an interface 125, and maybe coupled to the controlled rotating output 195 via another interface135. The interfaces 125 and 135 may comprise, for example, hexagonal orother multisided elements couplable with rotating device output 185 andcontrolled rotating output 195.

FIG. 3 illustrates various embodiments employing multiple adjustablemechanical links in a differential output control apparatus. Each of theembodiments illustrated in FIG. 3 provides a differential 100 with afirst application shaft 120, a second application shaft 130, and asystem input/output shaft 140. At least one flexible link 152 iscombined with a second adjustable mechanical link in each of theillustrated embodiments. The top and middle illustrated embodimentsprovide a second adjustable mechanical link comprising a rigid link 151.The bottom illustrated embodiment provides a second adjustablemechanical link comprising an additional flexible link 152. Inembodiments according to FIG. 2, the second adjustable mechanical link,whether configured as a rigid link 151 or as one or more flexible links152, may couple the carrier gear, e.g., via the system input/outputshaft 140, and the first application shaft 120, the carrier gear and thesecond application shaft 130, or the first application shaft 120 and thesecond application shaft 130. In some embodiments, a second adjustablemechanical link may couple the same two differential inputs as arelinked by the first adjustable mechanical link, e.g., as illustrated inthe middle embodiment in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate an example differential output controlapparatus employing a speed variator, in accordance with someembodiments of this disclosure. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are identical; thesame figure is included twice to allow room for clearly indicating thevarious components of the example differential output control apparatus.FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate a differential 100 and speed variator 153.The differential 100 includes a carrier gear 105 fixedly coupled to acage 110, wherein the carrier gear 105 is couplable with a systeminput/output gear 145, such as may be coupled with a shaft 140illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. One or more planet gears 112are rotatably coupled to cage sidewalls 111. A first sun gear 125 iscoupled to a first application shaft 120, and interlocks with the one ormore planet gears 112. A second sun gear 135 is coupled to a secondapplication shaft 130, and also interlocks with the one or more planetgears 112.

In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, an adjustable mechanical link in the form of speedvariator 153 is coupled to two linked differential inputs, comprisingthe first and second application shafts 120 and 130. The speed variator153 comprises a rigid mechanical link between the first and secondapplication shafts 120 and 130, the rigid mechanical link configured totranslate rotation in one of the application shafts 120 or 130 into anopposite direction rotation in the other of the application shafts 120or 130. The speed variator 153 includes a speed variator shaft 160 thatis coupled to the first application shaft 120 by speed range gear 170,which interlocks with a gear on the first application shaft 120, asshown. The speed variator shaft 160 is coupled to the second applicationshaft 130 by variable diameter pulley 155, which couples via a beltencircling pulley 155 as well as a pulley on the second applicationshaft 130, as shown.

In some embodiments which may be understood with reference to FIG. 4 andFIG. 5, the speed range gear 170 may be replaced with a belt and pulleyssimilar to the variable diameter pulley 155. This would turn the shafts120 and 130 in a same direction. Also, the speed range gear 170 orvariable diameter pulley 155 may be replaced for example with a gear orbelt arrangement configured to turn the carrier gear 105 or cage 110, sothat the speed variator 153 provides an adjustable mechanical linkbetween either the first or second application shaft 130 and the carriergear 105.

In an example application of the differential output control apparatusillustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a rotating device output, e.g., amotor output, may be coupled to the differential output controlapparatus. The rotating device output may be coupled at any of thedifferential inputs, including the first application shaft 120, thesecond application shaft 130, or the carrier gear 105. In someembodiments, the rotating device output may be coupled to the speedvariator 153, e.g., to the speed variator shaft 160. The rotating deviceoutput may operate at a variable or constant speed, while the speedvariator 153, optionally in conjunction with a control system 405,adjusts the relative rotation speed of the first and second applicationshafts 120 and 130 to produce a desired output speed and/or a desiredoutput torque at a controlled rotating output.

As with the rotating device output, the controlled rotating output maybe coupled to any of the differential inputs, including the firstapplication shaft 120, the second application shaft 130, or the carriergear 105, and may also be coupled with the speed variator 153. Therotating device output is coupled to a different differential input thanthe rotating device output. In some embodiments, where the rotatingdevice output is coupled to an adjustable mechanical link 150 and/or toa differential input that is among the differential inputs which arelinked by the adjustable mechanical link 150, the controlled rotatingoutput may be coupled to a differential input that is not among thedifferential inputs which are linked by the adjustable mechanical link150, and vice versa. For example, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, if the rotatingdevice output is coupled to the speed variator shaft 160, thencontrolled rotating output may be coupled with the carrier gear 105,e.g., via the system input/output gear 145.

In a configuration in which the rotating device output is coupled to thespeed variator shaft 160 and the controlled rotating output is coupledwith the carrier gear 105, by adjusting the speed variator 153, rotationspeed and torque of the carrier gear 105 may be controlled. The rotationof the carrier gear 105 may also be stopped and/or reversed by adjustingthe relative rotation speed of the first and second application shafts120 and 130. The speed range gear 170 may establish, at least in part, adefined speed range of the carrier gear 105 and controlled rotatingoutput.

In another example application of the differential output controlapparatus illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a generator may be coupledto differential output control apparatus as a controlled rotatingoutput. For example, a generator may be coupled with the firstapplication shaft 120. Meanwhile, a variable speed rotating deviceoutput such as a wind turbine may be coupled with the differentialoutput control apparatus as a rotating device output, e.g., at thecarrier gear 145. The differential output control apparatus may beconfigured to adjust the speed variator 153 operate the generator at aconstant, optimal speed, regardless of the variable speed at therotating device output.

An example operation of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5will now be described in detail. A motor or other device 180 may becoupled to the first application shaft 120. The motor turns firstapplication shaft 120 at a rotation speed V_(A). The first sun gear 125thereby also turns at rotation speed V_(A), as well as the gear on thefirst application shaft 120 that interlocks with the speed range gear170. The speed variator shaft 160 and variable diameter pulley 155 turnat a rotation speed V_(S), defined by V_(A) and the gear ratio at thespeed range gear 170. The speed variator shaft 160 and variable diameterpulley 155 also turn in an opposite direction as the first applicationshaft 120.

The rotation of the variable diameter pulley 155 turns the secondapplication shaft 130 at a rotation speed V_(C), where V_(C) is definedby the rotation speed V_(S) and the diameter ratio at the pulley 155.The second application shaft 130 also rotates in an opposite directionas the first application shaft 120. The second sun gear 135 also rotatesat speed V_(C), in the opposite direction as the first sun gear 125,along with the second application shaft 130.

As the first and second application shafts 120 and 130 turn the firstand second sun gears 125 and 135, the sun gears 125 and 135 turn theplanet gears 112, the planet gears 112 turn the cage 110 and carriergear 105, and the carrier gear 105 optionally turns the systeminput/output gear 145. The carrier gear 105 turns at speed V_(B). Thedirection of rotation, speed, and torque of the carrier gear 105 isdefined by the rotation speeds V_(A) and V_(C). When V_(A) and V_(C) areequal, the cage 110 and carrier gear 105 do not rotate. As V_(A) becomeslarger than V_(C), the carrier gear 105 rotates in a first direction, atincreasing speed V_(B) and decreasing torque as the difference betweenV_(A) and V_(C) grows. In the opposite scenario, as V_(C) becomes largerthan V_(A), the carrier gear 105 rotates in a second direction (oppositedirection), at increasing speed V_(B) and decreasing torque as thedifference between V_(A) and V_(C) grows. Thus it will be observed thatthe direction of rotation, speed V_(B), and torque of the carrier gear105 may be adjusted by adjusting the relative rotation speeds V_(A) andV_(C) of the first and second application shafts 120 and 130 as thefirst and second application shafts 120 and 130 rotate in oppositedirections. This adjusting may be accomplished for example via the speedvariator 153, e.g., by adjusting the diameter of the variable diameterpulley 155.

The above description of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is for the purpose ofgenerally describing the illustrated apparatus, however it will beappreciated that in addition to the various potential modifications ofelements of the apparatus itself, there are numerous variations in howthe apparatus may be deployed. For example, a rotating device output andcontrolled rotating output may be coupled to any of the variousdifferential inputs or to the adjustable mechanical link, as describedherein.

Some example methods may include methods for producing desiredcontrolled rotating output speeds and/or desired controlled rotatingoutput torques from a rotating device output. The relative rotationspeed of the linked differential inputs, e.g., the first and secondapplication shafts 120 and 130 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, may be adjustedwith the adjustable mechanical link 150, to produce the desired rotationspeed and/or desired output torque at the controlled rotating output,e.g., at the system input/output gear 145 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

It will be appreciated that a variety of configurations of differential100 are feasible. Some differential configurations may generally includethe elements illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, while some differentialconfigurations may include different elements and arrangements. Forexample, epicyclic differentials, spur-gear differentials, activedifferentials, ball differentials, limited slip differentials, lockingdifferentials, and any other differential, whether known or developed inthe future, may be adapted for use in connection with embodiments ofthis disclosure.

Similarly, it will be appreciated that a variety of configurations of aspeed variator 153 are feasible. Speed variator 153 embodiments mayemploy any of a variety of structures adapted to adjust the relativerotation speeds of linked differential inputs. For example, one or morecone elements may be provided in place of the variable diameter pulley155, as discussed further herein. The variable diameter pulley 155, coneelements, or other structures may be adjusted manually, mechanically,and/or electronically using structures such as dials, gears,electromagnets, screws, sliders, springs, or any number of otherstructures as will be appreciated.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a differential output controlapparatus. FIG. 6 provides the differential 100 with elements noted inFIG. 4 and FIG. 5, comprising carrier gear 105, cage 110, input/outputgear 145, planet gears 112, first sun gear 125, first input/output shaft120, second sun gear 135, and second input/output shaft 130. FIG. 6 alsoprovides an adjustable mechanical link 150 coupled with firstinput/output shaft 120 and second input/output shaft 130.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram including the exampledifferential output control apparatus of FIG. 6, along with exampleinputs/outputs 401, 402, and 403 that may be connected to the apparatus,and a control system 405 configured to adjust the adjustable mechanicallink 150. In general, inputs/outputs 401, 402, and 403 may be any inputor output, including, for example, a rotating device output 185 from adevice 180, and a controlled rotating output 195 to an application 190,either of which may comprise motors, generators, wind turbines, driveshafts, locomotive wheels, winches or hoists, or any other input oroutput.

In some embodiments, an input/output such as 401, 402, or 403 may beprovided on two of the differential inputs, while the other of thedifferential inputs is placed in a collar adapted to allow rotation asadjusted by the mechanical link 150. In some embodiments, one of theinputs/outputs such as 401, 402, or 403 may be coupled with theadjustable mechanical link 150, such as with one or more ends of a speedvariator shaft 160, and one of the differential inputs may be coupledwith another of the inputs/outputs 401, 402, or 403, while the remainingdifferential inputs and free ends of the adjustable mechanical link 150are placed in a collar adapted to allow rotation as adjusted by theadjustable mechanical link 150. Control system 405 may comprise, forexample, a mechanical control system and/or electronic control system,either of which may be coupled to human or machine interfaces configuredto support human and/or computer control of the adjustable mechanicallink 150.

In some embodiments, the speed variator 153 may divide an input/output401 (for example) into two channels moving in either same or oppositedirections, while also allowing for controlling/adjusting a relativerotation speed of linked differential inputs, e.g., the first and secondinput/output shafts 120 and 130. Adjusting a relative rotation speed bycontrol system 405 may comprise, for example, adjusting a diameter of avariable diameter pulley 155 or a belt position of a moving belt 503,thereby adjusting a speed of one or more of the first and secondinput/output shafts 120 and 130. Meanwhile, a rotation speed of theother of the linked differential inputs, e.g., the first and secondinput/output shafts 120 and 130, may optionally be simply known and usedas a reference, adjusted, and/or may be held constant.

In some embodiments, a differential output control apparatus may beconfigured to control speed and/or torque at the first input/outputshaft 120, the second input/output shaft 130, and/or the carrier gear105. This may be accomplished by calculating a speed of a first linkeddifferential input, e.g., speed V_(A) of the first input/output shaft120, relative to the speed of a second linked differential input, e.g.,speed V_(C) of the second input/output shaft 130, that will produce adesired speed and/or torque result; determining a mechanical linkadjustment setting configured to produce the calculated speeds V_(A)and/or V_(C), and applying the adjustment setting to the adjustablemechanical link 150. The calculating may for example include inputtingknown variables into a formula defining the relationship between V_(A),V_(B), and V_(C) for the apparatus, and calculating the unknown ordesired variables using the formula. In some embodiments V_(C) may beproportional to the difference between V_(A) and V_(B), e.g.:

2V _(B) =V _(A) −V _(C)

Where V_(B) is the rotation speed of the carrier gear 105, V_(A) is therotation speed of the first input/output shaft 120, and V_(C) is therotation speed of the second input/output shaft 130, as described above.Also, the torque at the carrier gear 105 increases as the speed V_(B)decreases, which relationship may also be represented by a formula.Also, in some embodiments, the speed range of the device 180 may beamplified by the differential output control apparatus, allowing theapparatus to produce a wider speed range than that of the device 180.Such implementation details may be accounted for in the calculatingprocess as will be appreciated.

Thus, by knowing/controlling any one of the above variables V_(A),V_(B), and/or V_(C), along with knowing/controlling the relativerotation speed of the linked differential inputs (e.g., the first andsecond input/output shafts 120 and 130 in FIG. 7), a desired effect maybe produced in the third of the above variables V_(A), V_(B), and/orV_(C). Similarly, by knowing/controlling one of the input/outputs 401,402, 403 and the relative speeds V_(A), V_(B), and/or V_(C), a desiredresult may be produced in another of the input/outputs 401, 402, 403.

Returning briefly to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, it will be appreciated that bymodifying one or more gear ratios within the illustrated apparatus, itis possible to amplify or reduce the speed range of an output at thecarrier gear 105 with respect to an input at, for example, the firstinput/output shaft 120. For example, the gear ratio at the speed rangegear 170, defined by the size of the gear 170 compared to the size ofthe gear on the first input/output shaft 120, may be selected to producea desired speed range of the apparatus. Similarly, the ratios of thevariable diameter pulley 155 and/or other gears and couplings in theapparatus may be defined to set desired parameters and ranges of theapparatus.

In some embodiments, a differential output control apparatus may includeand/or be combined with a torque converter. A torque converter may beused as an adjustable mechanical link 150 as described above. Also, insome embodiments, a torque converter may be positioned along the speedvariator shaft 160.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example speed variator configured with a coneelement. A speed variator shaft 160 may be coupled with a cone element502. The cone element 502 may for example be coupled with acomplementary cone element 501 affixed to the second input/output shaft130. In addition to the illustrated elements, the speed variator 153 mayinclude a mechanism for moving the belt 503, thereby adjusting therotation speed of the second input/output shaft 130. The illustratedelements may for example replace the variable diameter pulley 155 andcomplementary pulley shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, a differential output control apparatus asdescribed herein may be coupled with a motor providing a rotating deviceoutput, for example, at one or more of the adjustable mechanical link150, the input/output 401 at the first input/output shaft 120, and/orthe input/output 402 at the second input/output shaft 130. In someembodiments, the motor may be configured to operate at a constant motorspeed. A constant motor speed may be selected, for example, as anoptimal motor operating speed. The optimal motor speed may be a mostenergy/fuel efficient speed and/or a speed that optimizes any otheraspect of motor operation. The adjustable mechanical link 150 and/orcontrol system 405 may be configured to adjust the relative rotationspeed of the linked differential inputs to produce one or more of adesired output speed and a desired output torque at a controlledrotating output, as a function of the constant motor speed. A desiredcontrolled rotating output speed or torque may for example be receivedat the control system 405, e.g., via an input provided by a human orcomputer control system, and the control system 405 may be configured tocalculate the adjustment setting of the adjustable mechanical link 150that produces the desired speed or torque, and to then adjust theadjustable mechanical link 150 to the calculated adjustment setting.

In some embodiments, a differential output control apparatus asdescribed herein may be coupled with a generator, for example, as acontrolled rotating output. A generator may for example be coupled toone or more of the adjustable mechanical link 150 or any of thedifferential inputs/outputs 120, 130, or 105. The adjustable mechanicallink 150 may be configured to adjust the relative rotation speed of thelinked differential inputs to produce a constant generator speedregardless of the speed of rotation of a rotating device output receivedby the differential output control apparatus. For example, a windturbine, hydroelectric turbine, gasoline or diesel engine, or otherenergy source may serve as an input 403, driving input/output gear 145that interlocks with the carrier gear 105. A generator may be coupled asan output 401 to the first input/output shaft 120. A variable speedV_(B) of the carrier gear 105 may be electronically monitored by acontrol system 405, and the control system 405 may be configured toadaptively adjust the adjustable mechanical link 150 to produce aconstant or near constant generator speed or torque. In someembodiments, the control system 405 may be configured to adaptivelyadjust relative speeds of V_(A) and V_(C) to maintain a constant,optimal operation speed at the first input/output shaft 120 (in thisexample), according to a constant, optimal operation speed for thegenerator at 401.

FIG. 9 illustrates a speed variator and differential apparatus coupledwith a drive shaft of an automobile or other vehicle. FIG. 9 comprises adifferential 100 and adjustable mechanical link 150 including controlsystem 405. A first input/output shaft of the differential is coupled toan engine 601. An input/output gear driven by the carrier gear of thedifferential 100 is coupled with a drive shaft 605. The drive shaft 605is coupled to a differential 610 which drives axles 611 and road wheels612.

In FIG. 9, an example optimal speed for the engine 601 may be 4000Rotations Per Minute (RPM). An example input needed to the conventionaldifferential 610 is a range of 0 to 1000 RPM, and also including theability to operate in reverse. To produce the desired speed range, theadjustable mechanical link 150 may for example be configured to adjustthe rotation speed of the second input/output shaft within a rangeconfigured to produce the desired range at the drive shaft 605. Forexample, zero (0) RPM at the drive shaft may be produced by driving thesecond input/output shaft at a speed equal to the first input/outputshaft, in this example, 4000 RPM. The speed variator 153 may beconfigured to drive the second input/output shaft at a slower speedrelative to the first input/output shaft (slower than 4000 RPM) to drivethe drive shaft 605 in a first direction, up to the desired maximum RPM(1000 RPM). The speed variator 153 may be configured to drive the secondinput/output shaft at a faster speed relative to the first input/outputshaft (faster than 4000 RPM) to drive the drive shaft 605 in a seconddirection (e.g., reverse), up to the desired maximum RPM (1000 RPM orany desired maximum speed for reverse).

In some embodiments according to FIG. 9, instead of, or in conjunctionwith, pressing on the gas pedal of a vehicle, the driver may activate anadjustment in the adjustable mechanical link 150, e.g., by providing aninput to the control system 405. An increase in the energy required atthe output drive shaft 605 will tend to make the engine 601 slow down.The engine may be configured with a speed regulator configured toincrease the gas intake and move the engine RPM back to its optimum,e.g. 4000 RPM in the example above.

In some embodiments, as may be appreciated from the above example fromFIG. 9, a differential output control apparatus as described herein maybe configured as a speed reducer, to reduce a high speed input, e.g., atinput 401, to a low speed output, e.g., at output 403, in one step.

In some embodiments, a differential output control apparatus asdescribed herein may be configured to produce smooth changes ofdirection, e.g., from forward to reverse in the above example from FIG.9. As the sun gears 125 and 135 approach a same speed (in oppositedirections), the carrier gear 105 approaches zero speed. As the relativespeed of either of the sun gears increases relative to the other, thecarrier gear 105 increases in speed. Thus, direction changes at thecarrier gear 105 may be preceded by smoothly slowing to zero speed, thensmoothly speeding up in an opposite rotation direction.

In some embodiments, a differential output control apparatus asdescribed herein may be configured to regulate an input/output such as401, 402, and/or 403 at a constant speed, or according to any desiredspeed function, as another input input/output 401, 402, and/or 403varies. This is described herein for example in the context of operatingmotor, engine, or generator at a constant speed. In some embodiments,the apparatus may be configured to maintain an engine or generator at anoptimum operating efficiency. In some embodiments, the apparatus may beconfigured to maintain constant torque or a constant speed at an output.

In some embodiments, a locomotive comprising a differential outputcontrol apparatus may be provided. For example, in locomotives in whicha fluid transmission has been replaced by a torque converter, adifferential output control apparatus described herein could avoidconverting from mechanical energy (e.g., an output of a diesellocomotive engine) to electrical energy, and back to mechanical energy(in the form of torque on the locomotive wheels). In some embodiments,small ‘push-pull’ locomotives using a torque converter may for exampleinclude a differential output control apparatus as described herein.

In some embodiments, a differential output control apparatus asdescribed herein may be configured as a lifting or pulling apparatussuch as a winch or hoist. For example, a motor may be coupled to aninput 401, and operated at a constant speed as described above. Themotor speed may for example be selected for maximum motor power.Meanwhile, the output 403 may comprise a drum that winds and unwinds acable to raise, lower, and/or pull a load. A cable tension may bemonitored and the control system 405 may be configured to receive cabletension information, calculate an adjustment setting for the adjustablemechanical link 150 to prevent overloading the motor, and adjust theadjustable mechanical link 150 to the calculated setting. In someembodiments, a human operator may provide an input to the control system405 to adjust the adjustable mechanical link 150.

While various embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects andembodiments will be apparent to those skilled in art, with the benefitof this disclosure.

1. A differential output control apparatus, comprising: a differential,comprising: a carrier gear, wherein the carrier gear is fixedly coupledto a cage and meshingly engagable with a system input/output shaft B;one or more planet gears rotatably coupled to a cage sidewall; a firstsun gear coupled to a first application shaft A, and meshingly engagedwith the one or more planet gears; a second sun gear coupled to a secondapplication shaft C, and meshingly engaged with the one or more planetgears; wherein the first and second application shafts A and C extend inopposite directions away from the first and second sun gears,respectively; wherein the first application shaft A is fitted with agear, and wherein the second application shaft C is fitted with apulley, so that the gear and pulley are positioned on opposite sides ofthe differential; a speed variator coupling the gear at the firstapplication shaft A and the pulley at the second application shaft C,wherein the speed variator is configured to adjust a relative rotationspeed of the first application shaft A and the second application shaftC; wherein the speed variator comprises: a speed variator shaft arrangedin parallel with the first and second application shafts A and C; aspeed range gear meshingly engaged with the gear at the firstapplication shaft A; a variable diameter pulley coupled by a belt withthe pulley at the second application shaft C; wherein the differentialis situated between the speed range gear and the variable diameterpulley of the speed variator; wherein a gear ratio of the speed rangegear meshingly engaged with the gear at the first application shaft A,and an adjustable ratio between the variable diameter pulley and thepulley at the second application shaft C affect relative rotation speedsof the first application shaft A and the second application shaft C, sothat adjustments of the variable diameter pulley control rotatingoutputs at the system input/output shaft B. 2-8. (canceled)
 9. Thedifferential output control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising anelectronic control system adapted to adjust the speed variator toadjustment settings received at electronic control system.
 10. Thedifferential output control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aninterface at the first application shaft A or the second applicationshaft C, wherein the interface is adapted to receive a rotating deviceoutput, and wherein the interface is adapted to apply the rotatingdevice output to the the first application shaft A or the secondapplication shaft C.
 11. The differential output control apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising an interface adapted to apply a rotation ofthe system input/output shaft B to a controlled rotating output. 12-14.(canceled)